Protect Your Heart with Antioxidants for Stronger Circulation and Lifelong Wellness

This Valentine’s Month, LAC Philippines is reminding Filipinos to take proactive steps toward heart health and vibrant living.

February often brings hearts to mind, but beyond the symbols of love, it’s the literal heart that sustains every beat of daily life. With cardiovascular disease still the leading cause of death in the Philippines, accounting for 40,532 cases or 20 percent of all deaths in 2025, it’s crucial to turn attention to heart wellness.

Cardiovascular disease isn’t just a concern for older adults. Modern lifestyles have shifted the risk to younger Filipinos as well. Poor diet, physical inactivity, prolonged screen time, and stress can strain the heart much earlier than expected.

Stress is a silent contributor to heart risk. During stressful moments, the body releases hormones that raise heart rate and temporarily narrow blood vessels. Over time, repeated stress-induced spikes in blood pressure, combined with habits such as poor diet, inactivity, or excessive caffeine and alcohol intake, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Emotional stress may also damage artery walls and worsen existing heart conditions, especially when paired with anxiety, depression, or social isolation.

These pressures are closely linked to oxidative stress, a condition in which free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural defenses. Environmental toxins, smoking, excess alcohol, and chronic stress all contribute. Without protection, free radicals can damage cells, stiffen blood vessels, and impair circulation, placing additional strain on the heart.

Antioxidants are key allies in heart health. They combat free radicals, support blood vessel integrity, and promote efficient circulation. LAC MASQUELIER®, a scientifically formulated antioxidant supplement containing original Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Compounds (OPCs), is designed to support vascular flexibility and long-term cardiovascular function. OPCs help counter oxidative stress while maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels, supporting collagen, and aiding nutrient delivery to vital organs.

For broader cardiovascular support, LAC Activated® Heart Protect™ targets multiple heart health risk factors for adults aged 18 and above. This dietary supplement includes 2000FU of Nattokinase, a fibrinolytic enzyme recognized in Japan for promoting healthy blood flow, along with lecithin to support cholesterol balance and hawthorn, a powerful antioxidant herb that enhances heart and vascular function. Taken daily as part of a balanced lifestyle, it supports long-term heart wellness.

Heart disease often develops quietly, with symptoms appearing only in later stages. That’s why proactive care is essential. Alongside regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep, antioxidants and heart-supporting supplements can play a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Caring for the heart today ensures a longer, healthier life tomorrow, supporting not just longevity, but the energy, vitality, and connection that make life truly fulfilling.